Approximately 300 biotechnology, pharmaceutical, equipment, biofuels and medical device companies are based in Virginia, mainly clustered around universities in Blacksburg, Charlottesville, Richmond, Norfolk and Northern Virginia. This blog is an informal diary of what is going on with the industry in Virginia. Opinions here are those of the posters and not necessarily shared by Virginia Bio.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Virginia legislators have long opposed embryonic stem cell research. Some have even tried to ban state-funded universities from using private money to fund the research, but Gov. Tim Kaine said he opposes restrictions on private efforts.

Virginia legislators have long opposed embryonic stem cell research. Some have even tried to ban state-funded universities from using private money to fund the research, but Gov. Tim Kaine said he opposes restrictions on private efforts.

Melissa Frederick and Joseph Rogalsky, The ExaminerMar 28, 2007 3:00 AM (20 days ago)Current rank: Not rankedWASHINGTON - While Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine said he supports the $500,000 allocation in the budget bill lawmakers approved last month to fund adult stem cell research in Virginia, he does not want to see taxpayer money used for embryonic stem cell research.

“I don’t think we should be publicly funding it in Virginia,” Kaine, who is Catholic, said Tuesday during his monthly appearance on WTOP radio. “You will not see me proposing that. I think there are huge advances that can be made in adult stem cell research. I think that’s the way to go.”

Virginia legislators have long opposed embryonic stem cell research. Some have even tried to ban state-funded universities from using private money to fund embryonic research, but Kaine said he opposes restrictions on private efforts.

The news that Virginia will not receive funding for the research did not come as a surprise to its technology community, according to Virginia Biotechnology Association Executive Director Mark Herzog.

“Really, it has no impact because we haven’t previously had state funding, so it’s not as if it’s going to create a loss of jobs,” Herzog said.

His group instead has focused its efforts over the past few years on advocating for research money in general for the state, Herzog said.

Neighboring Maryland allotted $15 million in funding for stem cell research, including embryonic, last year. The state has received 81 applications from research institutions and companies for the funding, which has not yet been distributed, according to Technology Council

of Maryland CEO Julie Coons.

The Technology Council has requested $25 million this year from the state for stem cell research, and is optimistic it will receive close to that when the state budget is approved next week, Coons said.

The funding will help drive economic activity and jobs in the years to come, though it will take time before research can be translated into commercial products, Coons said.